In the wake of London's recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), businesses operating within the city have an enticing opportunity to significantly cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Nissan's all-electric Townstar EV, equipped with a range of incentives and grants, claims to be a game-changer for London-based companies aiming to embrace eco-friendly mobility solutions.
With the ULEZ now encompassing a larger area, companies face the challenge of adhering to stricter emissions regulations or incurring substantial daily charges. However, there could be a silver lining for some business owners – as Nissan's Townstar compact electric van is positioned to make the transition smoother and more economical. When we covered the launch, Nissan said that prices would start at £29,000. If that price holds true – and Nissan's claims about a £12,000 reduction can be fully realised – that would mean fully electric vehicles for only £17,000.
Potential Savings Adding Up
Nissan UK says that the Townstar EV not only slashes emissions but also cuts expenses. In fact, eligible businesses adopting this innovative vehicle can unlock savings of up to £12,000 through special deals. Grants and incentives are available for those retiring older, polluting vehicles from their fleets in favour of zero-emission models like the Townstar.
A noteworthy advantage is the avoidance of the £12.50 daily ULEZ charge, which translates to a yearly savings of over £3,000 for companies using the Townstar EV from Monday to Friday. The potential for substantial cost reduction has already prompted a surge of interest in the model, according to Nissan.
Solid Support for Fleet Transition
London's Mayor has introduced a scrappage scheme to support eligible sole traders, small businesses, micro businesses, and charities as they replace or retrofit vehicles not meeting ULEZ emissions standards. This initiative extends a grant payment of £9,500 to businesses scrapping a van and replacing it with an electric one.
Further enhancing the attractiveness of the Townstar EV is the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG), administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). This grant offers incentives for businesses acquiring electric versions of the Townstar, with the largest sum currently available for any electric variant being £2,500. Additionally, OZEV offers grants for EV charging infrastructure installation.
Plenty of Stock
The Townstar EV's timing couldn't be better, coinciding with the ULEZ expansion. Nissan reports ample availability of this electric commercial vehicle through its Van Centres. Notably, the Townstar has already earned accolades from fleet industry bodies.
Beyond its emission-reducing benefits, the Townstar EV brings a suite of over 20 technologies to the compact van segment, accompanied by advanced safety systems and driver assistance features. The model offers versatility in carrying capacities, ranging from up to 3.3 cubic meters of load space in the L1 variant to a generous 4.3 cubic meters in the L2 variant. Additionally, its maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500 kg ensures practicality.
The point that Nissan has stressed to us, is that there is plenty of stock in the channel. Whether that's from over-production or cancelled orders is unclear – but the free availability of electric LCVs right now, could prove beneficial for companies who are looking to switch.
Sufficient Range
The Townstar EV's cutting-edge electric powertrain claims intelligent energy management and battery thermal cooling technology, resulting in a class-leading zero-emission range of up to 183 miles WLTP Combined (or up to 269 miles on the City Cycle). The 45 kWh battery supports both AC charging (11 kW or 22 kW) and 80 kW DC CCS quick-charging, allowing for an 80% charge in as little as 37 minutes. Faster fill-up times is one of the only advantages to smaller battery configuration.
Allan Newman, LCV Product Section Manager at Nissan GB, emphasised the value proposition of the Townstar EV, particularly within London's ULEZ. He said, “Compact and capable, it is ideally suited to life within the Ultra Low Emission Zone and makes an ideal choice for any business.”
As London-based businesses look to navigate the terrain of stringent emissions regulations while minimizing expenses, the Nissan Townstar EV emerges as a compelling solution, offering savings, sustainability, and efficiency in a single package.
Check out the reality of the potential savings yourself over here.
